Student Handbook of Policies and Procedures Class of 2021 Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
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Student Handbook of
Policies and Procedures
Class of 2021
Associate of Applied Science
in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Additional Policies and Regulations can be found in the SFCC Course Catalog, mySTAR, and the State Fair
Community College official website: www.sfccmo.edu.
State Fair Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability,
religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or age in its programs and activities or in employment. The
following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Director of
Human Resources, Hopkins Student Services Center, (660) 596-7484, or Dean of Student and Academic
Support Services, Hopkins Student Services Center, (660) 596-7393. The Hopkins Center is located on SFCC’s
Sedalia campus at 3201 W. 16th St., Sedalia, MO 65301. Inquiries also may be directed to the U.S. Department
of Education, Office of Civil Rights at OCR.KansasCity@ed.gov.
Interested persons may obtain information as to the existence and location of services, activities and facilities at
State Fair Community College that are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities by contacting the
Access office, Yeater Learning Center, Room 159, SFCC, 3201 W. 16th Street, Sedalia, MO 65301, (660) 530-
5832.
(Revised July 2018)
(Updated July 2019) 1Faculty and Staff
Dean of Health Science Dr. Rhonda Hutton-Gann
Program Director Alice Kiburz Townsend MBA, BHS, RDMS, RVT
Assistant Director/Clinical Coordinator Breanna Wells, BHS, RDMS, RVT, RDCS
Faculty Dee Sharrock MS, BHS, RDMS, RVT, RDCS
Ashley Lambert BS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT
Andrew Garles AS, RVT, RDCS
Justin Schlotzhauer BS, RDMS, RCS, RVT
Amy Huber AAS, RDMS, RVT
Administrative Assistant Melinda Strange
Student Success Navigator Jill Steffens (interim)
Important Phone Numbers and Email Addresses
Dr. Rhonda Hutton-Gann 660-596-7228 rhutton@sfccmo.edu
Alice Townsend 660-596-7420 atownsend2@sfccmo.edu
Breanna Wells 660-596-7418 bwells4@sfccmo.edu
Jill Steffens (interim) 660-596-7411 jsteffens2@sfccmo.edu
Melinda Strange 660-596-7434 mstrange@sfccmo.edu
Admissions 660-596-7217 / 7215 / 7297 admissions@sfccmo.edu
Student Success Center 660-596-7253 / 7244 / 7290 success@sfccmo.edu
Financial Aid 660-596-7298 / 7295 / 7358 finaid@sfccmo.edu
Bookstore 660-596-7247 bookstore@sfccmo.edu
(Updated July 2019) 2Table of Contents
Program Mission 4
Program Vision 4
Program Goals 5
Program Minimum Expectations 5
Graduate Learning Outcomes 5
Accreditation 6
Non-Discrimination and Student Rights 7
Students with Disabilities 7
Special Services Accommodations 7
Essential Qualifications for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program 8
Health Science Background Check Policy 10
CastleBranch 10
Communicable Disease Policy 11
Health Science Immunization Policy 11
Substance Abuse/Drug Testing Policy for Health Science Programs 12
Student Health/Health Insurance Policy 12
Health Science Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure and Prevention Policy 13
Pregnancy Policy 13
Grades and Credits 14
Weighted Courses 15
Retake Policy and Schedule 15
Program Graduation Requirements 15
Student Success Navigator 16
Withdrawal from Program 16
Refund of Tuition, Fees, and Laboratory Fees 16
Guidelines for Granting Drop & Readmission 16
Probation Policy 17
Program Grievance Policy 17
Review Board Policy 18
Procedure for Review Board 18
Make Up Policy 18
Scan Lab Classroom Attire Policy 19
Children in the Lab Classroom Policy 19
Email and Printing 19
Inclement Weather Policy 19
Required Community Service Hours 20
Required Campus Events (Local) 20
Technology Requirements 21
Clinical Expectations 21
Clinical Education Setting 21
Program Illness Policy 22
Patient Records and Confidentiality 22
Program Tobacco Policy 23
(Updated July 2019) 3Program Use of Cell Phone Policy 23
Program Social Media Conduct Policy 23
Professionalism in the Clinical Area 24
Personal Appearance Policy 24
Physical Adornment Policy 25
Uniform Policy 25
Clinical Preparedness 26
Clinical Participation 26
Clinical Education Supervision 26
Scan Time 27
After Hours In Clinical 27
Clinical Participation Policy 27
Required Clinical Schedule 28
Clinical Grade Calculation 29
Trajecsys 29
Trajecsys End of Semester Requirements 30
Steps to Clinical Competency 31
Performance Competency Evaluation 32
Competencies 32
Clinical Request Day Off 33
Clinical Evaluation System 34
Clinical Evaluation Forms 34
Regulations Governing Clinical Assignment 34
Student Clinical/Externship Contract 38
DMS Vascular Concentration Transcranial Doppler 41
DMS General Track Clinical Competency Requirements for Graduation 41
DMS Cardiac Track Clinical Competency Requirements for Graduation 45
Institutional Policies 47
Program Mission
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program provides educational opportunities for students to develop
knowledge, skills, and attitudes conducive to the challenges within the field of sonography. Experiences
prepare students in a variety of settings to practice effectively with clients with diverse health needs across the
life span.
Program Vision
The vison of the State Fair Community College Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is to prepare the
individual for an entry-level position as a professional medical sonographer. The DMS program envisions a
continuance and advancement in the use of technology within the classroom Within the stimulating college
environment, the student will be afforded the opportunity to achieve educational and personal growth goals
while developing the technical skills necessary for success as a professional medical sonographer. This program
prepares the student to implement sonographic procedures, ultrasound physics, image orientation and evaluation
of diagnostic sonographic images. These procedures are conducted in a caring, safe, effective, and legal
manner. The program will prepare students to work effectively with other health care professionals, patients,
and families to promote patient diagnosis and recovery. The program will continue to serve the community and
the surrounding areas.
(Updated July 2019) 4Program Goals
Student Learning Goals:
Goal #1- Clinical Competence
• Students will possess the skills, knowledge and judgment to practice competently, ethically and legally.
• Students will develop workforce readiness skills so that students routinely provide accurate technical
impressions, both orally and in written reports, to the interpreting physician.
Goal #2- Proficient Critical Thinking
• Students are capable of evidence-based decision-making and critical thinking.
• Prepare each student to function as an effective member of the health care team by providing quality
patient care.
• Prepare each student to develop entry-level professional skills as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer to
provide accurate information to the interpreting physician.
Goal #3- Effective Communications
• Students will develop effective oral communication skills.
• Students will possess abilities to communicate effectively to patients and all members of the care team.
• The development of the interpersonal skills necessary to care effectively for patients and dealings with
other members of the health care delivery team is of utmost importance.
Goal #4 – Involved Professionalism
• Students are engaged in community and professional service.
• Students are committed to life-long learning.
• Students will demonstrate professional behavior.
• Each student will be prepared with entry-level professional skills as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
to treat staff and patients in a respectful manner by following institutional code of conduct and ethics.
Program Minimum Expectations
(According to the CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of
Educational Programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography)
• "To prepare competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge),
psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains" and/or
• "To prepare competent entry-level adult cardiac sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge),
psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains" and/or
• “To prepare competent entry-level vascular technologists in the cognitive (knowledge),
psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains
Graduate Learning Outcomes
State Fair Community College Diagnostic Medical Sonography program will provide a positive educational
atmosphere in which to prepare Diagnostic Medical Sonographers who as graduates will be able to:
• Successfully attain skills necessary for entry-level positions as a registered Diagnostic Medical
Sonographer
• Maintain high ethical standards in the provision of health care
• Provide evidence-based, patient centered care to a diverse population in a variety of settings
• Utilize critical thinking skills that will enable self-evaluation and the pursuit of lifelong learning
• Engage in professional association activities
(Updated July 2019) 5“The graduate will have the ability to provide patient services in a variety of medical settings in which the
physician is responsible for the use and interpretation of ultrasound procedures. In assisting physicians in
gathering sonographic data, the graduate will be able to obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history
and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results; perform appropriate procedures and record
anatomical, pathological, and/or physiological data for interpretation by a physician; record and process
sonographic data and other pertinent observations made during the procedure for presentation to the interpreting
physician; exercise discretion and judgment in the performance of sonographic services; provide patient
education related to medical ultrasound; and promote principles of good health” (according to CAAHEP
Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography).
Accreditation
State Fair Community College has been affiliated with the North Central Association (NCA) of Colleges and
Schools since it was founded. Correspondence status was granted in 1968. Full accreditation was granted in
1976, 1981, 1988, and 1999. SFCC became accredited through admission to the NCA Higher Learning
Commission's Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) in August 2005 and continues to be accredited
on an annual basis. The Higher Learning Commission can be contacted through the following:
HLC
The Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-1411
Phone: 800.621.7440 or 312.263.0456 Fax: 312.263.7462
HLC website: http://ncahlc.org/ HLC Email: info@hlcommission.org
Complaints or concerns about an Institution affiliated with the Commission can be sent to:
complaints@hlcommission.org
Questions or concerns about accreditation can be directed to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program
Director or Assistant Director or to:
SFCC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health
Education Programs (www.CAAHEP.org) upon the recommendation of JRC-DMS.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 210-23250
www.caahep.org
JRC-DMS
Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500, Ellicott City, MD 21043
443.973.3251 phone | 866.738.3444 fax | www.jrcdms.org
Email address: mail@jrcdms.org
(Updated July 2019) 6Nondiscrimination and Student Rights
State Fair Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability,
religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or age in its programs and activities or in employment. The
following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Director of
Human Resources, Hopkins, Student Services Center, (660)596-7484, or Dean of Student and Academic
Support Services, Hopkins Student Center, (660)596-7393. The Hopkins Center is located on SFCC’s Sedalia
campus at 3201 W. 16th St. Sedalia, MO. 65301. Inquires also may be directed to the U.S Department of
Education, Office of Civil Rights at OCR.KansasCity@ed.gov.
(Approved June 27, 2005)
(Revised February 2013)
Students with Disabilities
Students with documented disabilities who are applying for admission to State Fair Community College’s
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program are welcome according to guidelines of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with documented
disabilities, who have the abilities to assume the role and meet expected educational outcomes as required for
all students seeking the Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree. These abilities
are outlined in the Essential Qualifications for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.
Interested persons may obtain information as to the existence and location of services, activities and facilities at
State Fair Community College that are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities by contacting the
Access office, Yeater Learning Center, Room 159, SFCC, 3201 W. 16th Street, Sedalia, MO 65301, (660) 530-
5832.
Special Services Accommodations
The student with a disability who requires accommodations must register with the Access Office in Student
Services. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the request for services. Students are encouraged to
establish documentation and a request for accommodations at least two weeks prior to the first day of the
semester.
Students with a disability are responsible for providing documentation from the appropriate medical or
psychological professional and should make an intake appointment with the Access Office. Students are
responsible for any charges associated with obtaining documentation. The Access Office shall have the
authority to make the final determination as to reasonable accommodations. Students will be expected to meet
the technical standards of the specific programs they are pursuing. After accommodations have been
established by the Access Office, a letter will be presented to the student describing the accommodations that
he/she qualifies to receive for each class in which he/she is enrolled that semester. A confidential letter will also
be presented to the instructor describing the accommodations for which the student qualifies for that class.
However, the letter will not contain any specific disability.
(Changes January 2014)
(Updated July 2019) 7Essential Qualifications for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program The following essential qualifications address the motor, behavioral, emotional, communication and professional conduct essential to the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography at State Fair Community College. Students must meet these essential qualifications in order to be admitted and retained in the program. Students with documented disabilities who wish to request reasonable accommodations under the American with Disabilities Act must follow the college’s procedure for requesting accommodations. The college reserves the right to reject requests for accommodations that would fundamentally alter the nature of an educational program, lower the academic standards, cause an undue hardship on the college, or endanger the health or safety of a student with a disability, other students, or any other member of the college community. State Fair Community College Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography certifies that the holder of that degree has been educated to competently enter practice as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, having demonstrated competency in cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains. Both professional coursework and general education requirements contribute to the development and completion of these competencies. To be eligible to sit for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers’ registry examinations, all components of the degree program must be completed. In order to successfully complete these competencies and to ensure the health and safety of patients, fellow candidates, faculty, and other health care providers, the abilities listed on the following pages are required. These requirements are consistent with the employment requirements of our clinical education sites. Each person who completes a letter of recommendation form will also be evaluating the applicant’s ability to meet the Essential Qualifications, and one or more concerns from the person completing the recommendation form may result in the student not being accepted to the program. MOTOR SKILLS Candidates should have sufficient motor function so that they are able to execute movements required to provide general care and examination to patients in all diagnostic imaging settings. In general, this requires candidates to be able to regularly lift at least 25-100 pounds (in assisting in patient transfers); stand/walk 6-7 hours per 8 hour shift with prolonged standing; bend, stoop and twist repetitively, lasting several minutes each time, carry up to 20 pounds, move carts weighing 200 lbs, and reach a height of 6 feet to activate emergency call buttons and reach equipment. Fine and gross motor movement of the upper extremities is required in all of the above. SENSORY Candidates must be able to observe a patient accurately, align the transducer with the body parts to be imaged, and observe and appreciate both verbal and non-verbal communications when performing diagnostic imaging studies. Candidates should have normal functional vision with corrective eyewear. Candidates should have auditory ability sufficient for physical monitoring and assessment of client health needs, which includes hearing faint body sounds, faint voices, hearing and assessing minute changes in pitch, hearing situations when not able to see lips, and hearing auditory alarms with or without auxiliary aids. BEHAVIORAL/EMOTIONAL Candidates must have emotional stability in order to approach situations and apply critical thinking skills in a systematic and professional manner. They must be capable of exercising good judgment and promptly completing the responsibilities involved in the examination and care of patients. Candidates must communicate effectively and sensitively with other students, faculty, staff, patients, family, and other professionals. Candidates must be able to deal effectively with the stresses encountered in nearly 40 hours of class work per week in addition to family and life demands. They must express their ideas and feelings clearly and demonstrate a willingness and ability to give and receive feedback. (Updated July 2019) 8
COMMUNICATION
Candidates must be able to effectively explain diagnostic imaging procedures to both the patient and family
members, utilize questioning techniques to obtain accurate clinical histories, and give directions during the
study. Candidates must be able to communicate orally and in writing with individuals of all backgrounds and
educational levels.
COGNITIVE
Candidates must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate and synthesize in the context of
undergraduate Diagnostic Medical Sonography education. Candidates must be able to quickly read and
comprehend extensive written material. They must also be able to recall, evaluate, and apply information and
engage in critical thinking in the classroom and clinical setting.
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Candidates must possess the ability to reason morally and practice diagnostic medical sonography in an ethical
manner. Candidates must be willing to learn and abide by professional practice standards. They must possess
the attributes that include compassion, empathy, integrity, honesty, responsibility and tolerance. Candidates
must be able to engage in examination and patient care delivery in all settings and be able to deliver care to all
patient populations including but not limited to children, adolescents, adults, developmentally disabled persons,
medically compromised patients and vulnerable adults. Candidates who are selected for the program must pass
a criminal background check as required by our clinical education sites.
While these abilities are required to successfully complete the competencies leading to the Associate of Applied
Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree, successful completion of the requirements for a degree does
not guarantee eligibility to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography or the American
Registry for Radiologic Technologists Certifying exams. Eligibility for examination requires that the candidate
be of good moral character. Conviction of a misdemeanor or felony may indicate a lack of good moral character
for ARDMS/ARRT purposes. The ARDMS and ARRT Ethics Committees conduct a thorough review of all
convictions. Documentation required for a review includes written personal explanation of the activity and court
records to verify the conviction, sentence, and completion of the sentence.
It is important that the candidate understand there is a moral character requirement for eligibility for
examination. Anything less than complete and total disclosure of any and all convictions will be considered as
having provided false or misleading information to the ARDMS/ARRT. This is grounds for permanent denial of
eligibility for certification. The ARDMS and the ARRT may conduct criminal background searches whenever
appropriate. If you have concerns regarding your eligibility to sit for the ARDMS or ARRT examinations,
please contact the ARDMS at:
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 600 Rockville, MD 20852-1402
Tel: 301.738.8401 or 800.541.9754 Fax: 301.738.0312
Or the ARRT at:
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
1255 Northland Drive St. Paul, MN 55120
Tel: 651.687.0048
Or CCI at:
Cardiovascular Credentialing International
1500 Sunday Drive, Suite 102 Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone: 800. 326.0268 Fax: 919.787.4916
(Updated July 2019) 9Health Science Background Check Policy
The Joint Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO), which accredits healthcare
facilities across the country, enforced background screening September 2004 and has set requirements
mandating that students in a healthcare field must now complete the same background check as hospital
employees.
As required by clinical facilities contracted by State Fair Community College, all Health Science program
students that are enrolled in a clinical course must submit to a criminal background check from the state or
states in which they have resided over the past year.
Students are responsible for the payment of their background investigation, and CastleBranch must conduct the
investigation.
All background checks will be evaluated according to the exclusionary criteria of the contracted clinical
facilities. Failure to complete a background check will prohibit student from participating in clinical education
and admission to all State Fair Community College Health Science programs.
Students with criminal histories who desire licensure or registration in Health Science Professions are urged to
consult the laws governing licensure or certification in the state they intend to license/certify prior to application
to the respective allied health program.
The following searches are required for students attending facilities for clinical through State Fair Community
College:
1. Missouri Statewide Criminal History Record Search
2. Federal Criminal History Record Search
3. Social Security Number Trace (residential history, state and date issued)
4. National Sex Offender Registry
5. Office of Inspector General Sanction Report
6. General Services Administration
7. Missouri Department of Social Services Request for Child Abuse or Neglect
8. Senior Care Registry (EDL)
9. Family Care Registry
10. Residential History Search
11. U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Asset Control List of Specially Designation Nations
(Revised May 12, 2016)
CastleBranch
State Fair Community College Health Science programs utilize CastleBranch for background screening,
immunization record and document tracking for students. Upon acceptance to the Diagnostic Medical
Sonography program, all students will access www.castlebranch.com and order the appropriate package code.
It is the student’s responsibility to order through CastleBranch and to upload immunization records and other
documents as requested. Students should check their myCB (CastleBranch) account and student e-mail for
alerts if information is needed to process the order and reminders as requirements approach their due dates.
SFCC faculty will have access to view students’ records and compliance status from a separate CastleBranch
portal. Students will have unlimited, lifetime access to their accounts.
Communicable Disease Policy
A student shall not attend classes or other College-sponsored activities if the student (1) has, or has been
exposed to, an acute (short duration) or chronic (long duration) communicable disease, and (2) is liable to
transmit the communicable disease. The student may not return to class or College activities unless the student
(Updated July 2019) 10has demonstrated to the Dean of Student and Academic Support Services, based upon medical evidence, that the
student
1. No longer has the disease,
2. Is not in the communicable or infectious stage of an acute disease, or
3. Has a communicable disease that poses little risk of transmission in the classroom environment with
reasonable precautions.
The College may require any student suspected of having a communicable disease to be examined by a
physician and may exclude the student from classes, in accordance with the procedures authorized by this
policy, so long as there is a substantial risk of transmission of the disease in the College environment.
A student who has a communicable disease, and who is permitted to attend classes, may be required to do so
under specified conditions. Failure to adhere to the conditions will result in the student being excluded from
classes. A student who has a communicable disease and who is not permitted to attend classes or participate in
College activities will be provided instruction in an alternative educational setting in accordance with College
policy on Equal Educational Opportunity.
Students with communicable diseases have a right to privacy and confidentiality and should register the health
issue with the Dean of Student and Academic Support Services. Only staff members who have a legitimate
educational reason to know the identity and condition of such students will be informed. Willful or negligent
disclosure of confidential information about a student’s medical condition by staff members will be cause for
disciplinary action.
(Approved July 25, 2011)
Health Science Immunization Policy
Upon acceptance to State Fair Community College Health Science programs, students are required to provide
proof of immunization against a variety of diseases. Proof includes evidence of vaccination on an official
record, school records, or positive titer results. Students must submit proof of immunization using the Medical
Document Manager through their CastleBranch account IF your program requires it. Students not meeting
immunization requirements will be prohibited from participating in clinical education and therefore, will be
dismissed from the program. Students should have received most of these immunizations during childhood, but
some immunizations need to be more recent. These immunizations and tests may be obtained for a nominal fee
at local county health departments.
The required immunizations include:
• Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
o Laboratory evidence of immunity
▪ Laboratory confirmation of rubella, mumps or measles disease OR
o Birth before 1957 does not require immunization
o Evidence of NO measles immunity need two doses of MMR vaccine, with the second dose
administered no earlier than 28 days after the first dose.
• Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine
o Laboratory evidence of immunity OR
o Document of vaccination with 2 doses of varicella vaccine
▪ 2 vaccines at least 28 days apart
• Influenza (Seasonal Flu) Vaccine
o Verification of annual flu vaccine (fall)
• Hepatitis B
o Laboratory confirmation of Hepatitis B immunity OR
(Updated July 2019) 11o Series of 3 doses of Engerix B or Recombivax HB over a 6-month period OR
▪ Series needs to be started prior to beginning program of study and the remainder can
be completed after program entry
o Series of 2 doses of Heplisav-B
▪ 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart
• Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis Vaccine
o Documentation of having received a booster within the last 10 years
• Tuberculosis
o If no TB test completed in last 12 months, must have 2 step Tuberculin Skin Test
▪ 2 tuberculin skin tests completed within 1-3 weeks of each other
• Step 1 – Tuberculin Skin Test and result read within 2-3 days
• Step 2 - Tuberculin Skin Test 1-3 weeks after step 1 and result read within 2-3
days.
o If the student has had annual TB skin tests for the past 2 consecutive years or more, with no
gap greater than 12 months between each test, evidence of the 2 prior TB tests must be
submitted.
o TB test (1 step) is required annually
o History of positive TB skin test must have a documented negative chest x-ray AND a
negative TB questionnaire. Negative TB questionnaire required annually.
Substance Abuse/Drug Testing Policy for Health Science Programs
Students will be subject to drug testing per the SFCC Health Science policy on a scheduled, random, or for
reasonable suspicion basis. A copy was provided to each student at the beginning of the program. Please
reference to the policy for further information.
Student Health/Health Insurance Policy
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program will follow the Health Science Immunization Policy.
Prior to beginning clinical experience and continuing throughout the program, students will be instructed in the
technical skills and knowledge necessary to protect themselves when exposed to communicable diseases.
Information on the handling of body fluids and methods of infection control will be included in course content
Students are required to report any illness, communicable disease or other condition that might affect the health
of the student, patients, or staff to the Program Director as soon as they become aware of such condition.
If the student is exposed to body fluids by needle stick, other puncture wounds or by other means such as
splashes in the classroom or during clinical experience, it is the responsibility of the student to seek medical
attention. The student will be responsible for all medical care expenses associate with such incident.
As a student you are not covered under Workman’s Compensation; therefore, all students are urged to
have some type of medical hospitalization insurance.
SFCC faculty and staff are committed to providing an environment that encourages physical health and fitness
in smoke-free facilities. Located at the Sedalia campus, the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center has both an
indoor walking track and a fitness/weight training facility. Any current student may use these facilities during
open hours. An outdoor walking and fitness trail is adjacent to the Multipurpose Center. Students may also
wish to enroll in one of the physical activity or wellness classes. Visit the SFCC Web site for more information.
(Updated July 2019) 12Each Health Science student is responsible for his/her own health and hospital insurance coverage. Neither State
Fair Community College nor any of the affiliated clinical sites are responsible for payment of charges incurred
due to student’s illness or injuries. Use of the Emergency Department or other medical providers will be the
financial responsibility of the student. It is strongly recommended that each student carry hospitalization
insurance. Students should be aware that there is a possibility of radiation injury to an unborn fetus with the
greatest risk occurring during the first trimester.
Health Science Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure and Prevention Policy
A student who has exposure to blood, body fluid or other potentially infectious material to non-intact skin or
mucous membranes from a needle stick, sharps injury or other cause must immediately:
• Wash the area with soap and water
• Flush splashes to the nose, mouth or skin with copious amounts of water
• Irrigate eyes with clean water, saline or sterile irrigates
• Remove soiled personal protective equipment and/or clothing
After washing, flushing and/or irrigating the exposed area, the student must immediately:
• Notify the clinical or supervising faculty
o The faculty will alert the appropriate facility staff
• Identify the source of exposure
• Seek medical attention
o Medical attention should take place within 1-2 hours of the exposure.
o Medical attention may be sought at the clinical site if appropriate
o The student has financial responsibility for any cost associated with evaluation, treatment, and/or
counseling that results from an exposure
Other student responsibilities:
• Complete an incident report as indicated by the faculty or the clinical site
• It is student’s responsibility to make his/her healthcare provider aware of the results of any blood panel
drawn as a result of exposure
• It is the student’s responsibility to follow up with any counseling recommended by his/her healthcare
provider as a result of an exposure
• It is the student’ s responsibility to follow up with any treatment recommended by his/her healthcare
provider as a result of an exposure
The faculty will notify the program administrator.
State Fair Community College Health Science programs do not undertake any screening of faculty or students
for antibody to HIV.
Pregnancy Policy
Students should be aware that there is a possibility of radiation injury to an unborn fetus during any semester in
the program with the greatest risk occurring in the first trimester. A female student has the option of whether or
not she wants to notify program officials of her pregnancy. If the woman chooses to voluntarily inform officials
of her pregnancy, it must be in writing and indicate the expected date of delivery. A student who notifies the
program of her pregnancy has the following options:
Option #1: The student may continue the educational program without modification or interruption.
(Updated July 2019) 13Option #2: The student may continue in the program with the following restrictions being imposed on clinical
rotations:
The pregnant student will have limited exposure to the following:
1. Fluoroscopic procedures
2. Portable procedures
3. Surgical procedures
4. Procedures involving radium-implant patients
5. Nuclear Medicine procedures
*Students are not performing x-rays, but may be in a situation where they could be exposed to the radiation
from x-rays or radioisotopes.
Substitute clinical rotations will not be provided. All clinical rotations missed by the student will be made up at
the end of the program. This will result in a delay in the completion of the program. In addition to the clinical
restrictions, the pregnant student will be expected to complete all of the standard clinical requirements.
Option #3: A pregnant student may request a leave of absence not to exceed one year and either withdraw from
or attempt to complete the courses she is currently enrolled in. There would be a place reserved for the student
in the next accepted class, and it would not be necessary to submit another application for admission to the
program.
Option #4: A pregnant student may request to withdraw from the program for an indefinite period of time. If
she wished to be reinstated, she must submit an application and compete for readmission to the program. Any
previous coursework taken would be reevaluated at the time of readmission to assure that competency has been
maintained.
A female student may withdraw declaration of pregnancy at any time. If the student chooses to voluntarily
withdraw the declaration of pregnancy, she must inform program officials of her pregnancy declaration
withdrawal in writing.
Grades and Credits
The grading policy of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is not the same as that for State Fair
Community College. The letter grade corresponds to the percentage grade as follows:
Didactic, Clinical, and Scan Lab Coursework DMS 120 and 122 Coursework
(except DMS 120 and 122)
A 90-100 Pass A 90-100 Pass
B 80-89 Pass B 80-89 Pass
F Below 80 Fail C 70-79 Pass
I Unfinished (computes as an F in GPA) F Below 70 Fail
W Withdrawn (no grade points) I Unfinished (computes as an F in GPA)
W Withdrawn (no grade points)
Diagnostic Medical Sonography students must maintain a grade of "B" or better in all individual didactic
program courses, clinical, and scan lab courses in order to advance in the program, with the exception of a grade
of “C” or better in DMS 120 and 122 courses.
In all courses, a grade will be rounded up to the next percentage if it is within 0.5 points. For example, if the
overall grade is 89.50% then the grade will be rounded to 90%. Please see individual course syllabi for more
explanation.
(Updated July 2019) 14Weighted Courses
See individual syllabi for specific course description of weighted grades.
Retake Policy and Schedule
Students must show competency in all courses by passing all courses with an 80% or higher except for physics
courses, which you must pass with a 70% or higher. If a student earns a failing grade on any exam twice during
a specific course, they will be referred to the Student Success Navigator. Some courses may have mandatory
remediation policies. Failure to comply with mandatory remediation as listed in the syllabus may result in
receiving a failing grade for the course. If a student earns a failing grade on any final exam, the student must
retake the final exam to show competency in that course. The student will be given one additional attempt to
pass the exam. The student will keep the original score for the exam to be figured into the semester grade. The
student will be allowed to retake the exam at the instructor’s convenience. If competency is still not shown
after one retake, the student will appear before the Review Board. Until all course requirements are met, the
final grade will be an incomplete. All course requirements must be completed and the change of grade form
submitted prior to the last day of the next semester or the grade of “I” will automatically change to an “F”.
Program Graduation Requirements
1. Demonstrate consistent safety and professionalism in lab, classes, and in each clinical area.
2. Successful completion of each competency in each clinical area (Sonography Clinical III).
3. Completion of required total exams in each specialty (Independently Performed General Track: 50
Abdomens, 25 OB, 25 GYN, and 50 Vascular. Cardiac Track: 50 vascular, 100 Cardiac exams).
(Sonography Clinical III).
4. Satisfactory participation and punctuality.
5. Completion of required clinical hours which is a range of 1215.5-1300.5 hours as displayed in Trajecsys
(Sonography Clinical III).
6. The complete SonoSim kit must be returned to the SFCC DMS program by the last day of finals week
during the second semester of the program. If the student must mail the kit to SFCC, they should ship
with insurance/tracking and are responsible for paying shipping fees. If the student does not return, the
SonoSim kit by the designated date a $1,000 charge will be added to their SFCC account. The student
will not be able to enroll in classes, obtain transcripts, or graduate until the kit is returned in good
working condition, or the $1,000 fee is paid. (Ultrasound Lab II).
7. Apply to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Sonography Principles and
Instrumentation (SPI) examination by Finals week in the Spring Semester of the first year in the
program. You must attempt the SPI before the beginning of the Fall Semester. If the student does
not pass the SPI on the first attempt, a second attempt is required between 60-120 days after the
first attempt. Students must provide documentation in the form of the 2 pages of results provided
at testing center upon completion of exam after each attempt. (Sonography Clinical I and
Sonography Clinical II).
8. Students are eligible to register for their ARDMS specialty exams 90 days before graduation and may sit
for a specialty exam 60 days before graduation. All SFCC DMS students are required to sit for an
ARDMS specialty exam prior to graduation. If the student is ineligible due to not having passed the SPI
the student must sit for the SPI exam a third time. Students must provide documentation in the form
of the 2 pages of results provided at testing center upon completion of exam after each attempt.
(Sonography Clinical III).
9. Complete all required community service hours (Ultrasound Lab II and Sonography Clinical III).
10. Provide post-graduation contact information prior to graduation (Sonography Clinical III).
11. Meet all graduation requirements of State Fair Community College.
(Updated July 2019) 15Student Success Navigator
Each SFCC student is assigned a personal navigator to work with one-on-one in preparing a successful
educational journey, staying on course and dealing with issues that could throw up detours along the way. The
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Student Success Navigator is Jill Steffens. Her email is
jsteffens2@sfccmo.edu, phone number is 660-596-7411, and she is located in Heckart 848. Student Success
Navigators will assist students at all SFCC campuses in creating and maintaining educational plans, enrolling in
classes, financial aid assistance, and dealing with life issues that interfere with students’ abilities to complete
their education. Your navigator is your “personal guide to success” while at SFCC!
Withdrawal from Program
Students desiring to withdraw from school must contact the Student Services Office and submit a written
statement giving reason for withdrawal within seven (7) calendar days of last day's attendance.
Refund of Tuition, Fees, and Laboratory Fees
For students who have not received financial aid, tuition and fees will be refunded to the student in full, by mail,
if the student withdraws before classes begin. Some fees are non-refundable such as background check, drug
testing and club dues. Thereafter, the refund schedule on the SFCC website applies.
For students who receive financial aid, tuition and fees will be refunded according to the requirements of the
Higher Educational Act Technical Amendments of 1992. SFCC has adopted the Federal standard refund policy
for Title IV recipients who withdraw, are expelled, or stop attending all courses in which they are enrolled
during the first 50% of an instructional semester or session. For non-Title IV recipients, the SFCC institutional
refund policy will apply.
To withdraw from all classes, students complete and submit the electronic Student Withdrawal Form located in
the I need to . . . channel under the Student tab in mySTAR and also on the Add or Drop Classes link in the
Registration Tools channel under the Student tab in mySTAR. A confirmation email is sent to the student’s
SFCC email account. A copy of the request is sent to add-drop@sfccmo.edu, the assigned Navigator (if term is
in progress), and the Financial Aid Office (if term is in progress and the student is receiving financial aid). The
Academic Records and Registrar Office will drop the student from all eligible classes within two business days.
The request is processed using the date/time stamp on the student’s request. It is possible that the request will
not be a complete withdrawal.
Guidelines for Granting Drop & Readmission
A drop - readmission will only be considered for a student with unusual circumstances, requiring him/her to
withdraw from school.
The student must:
• Have completed a minimum of one semester of the program
• Have passed or be passing all DMS courses with the required grades at the time drop is requested.
• Request leave of absence prior to the first day of the semester following withdrawal from the program.
• Verify facts pertaining to request for leave and present them to the Program Director.
Readmission is conditional and the student may be readmitted only if readmission does not cause class size to
exceed the limit. In the event that readmission of a student would cause the school to exceed the limits set forth
for any class by one student, the student may be admitted if the Director of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Program feels that the student will not overload the faculty or facilities. Absence shall be for no longer than one
year. Any new textbooks must be purchased. Student must abide by rules and regulations as set forth in current
student handbook.
(Updated July 2019) 16Probation Policy
Probation is a formal warning to the student concerning their performance in a particular area. At the time the
student is placed on probation, an improvement plan will be developed and the probationary period set. Students
may be placed on probation for the following reasons:
1. Academic - Any subject with a grade below an 80% or a 70% (physics). Counseling will occur at the
first signs of academic difficulties. Students failing any class must appear before the Review Board to
determine continuance in the program and course of action.
2. Clinical - Any clinical rotation with a failing grade of 80% or below or poor evaluation must appear
before the Review Board to determine continuance in the program and course of action. If the student is
removed from a clinical site for a reason that violated the clinical site’s policies or DMS Handbook
Policies, the student will receive a failing grade in that clinical education course. With this failing grade,
the student must appear before the Review Board to determine continuance in the program and course of
action.
3. Lab-Failure to abide by lab rules at all times will warrant appearing before the Review Board. Lab is
considered an extension of both academic and clinical expectations. Demonstrating an inability to meet
these expectations warrants appearing before the Review Board.
4. Clinical Participation - Probation will be issued when the student exceeds the maximum amount of
non-participation from their clinical assignment. When a student does not participate in their clinical
assignment in excess of the required semester hours the student must appear before the Review Board, if
they would like to remain in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. If the student fails to appear
before this board on the scheduled time, automatic dismissal will result.
5. Behavioral - Poor attitude, poor interpersonal relationships, hygiene, lack of initiative, sleeping in class,
etc. Counseling will occur at the first signs of behavioral difficulties and a plan of action will be
developed. Students failing to meet the requirements set forth in the plan of action must appear before
the Review Board to determine continuance in the program.
6. Essential Qualifications – Student regularly fails to meet the Essential Qualifications for the Diagnostic
Medical Sonography Program. Counseling will occur at the first signs of difficulties and a plan of action
will be developed. Students failing to meet the requirements set forth in the plan of action must appear
before the Review Board to determine continuance in the program.
At the close of the stated probationary period, the student's progress will be re-evaluated by the Clinical
Coordinator and Program Director. At that time, the student will be removed from probation or required to
appear before the Review Board.
Program Grievance Policy
All grievances dealing with academic issues, including grade or grading appeals, complaints about instructors or
instructional staff, academic policy and procedures, including participation in class/clinics and academic
honesty, disciplinary matters related to classroom/clinical behavior and other issues involving credit classes,
should be resolved using the following grievance procedure.
Step 1. Discuss the grievance informally with the appropriate faculty member within 5 days of occurrence.
Step 2. If unresolved, discuss the grievance informally with the Director of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
within 2 working days after discussing occurrence with appropriate faculty member.
Step 3. If unresolved, present the grievance formally, in writing, to the Director of Diagnostic Medical
Sonography within 2 working days after discussing occurrence with the Director.
Step 4. The Director will address the student’s concerns and provide the student results in writing within
2 days.
(Updated July 2019) 17Step 5. If still unresolved, present the concerns in writing to the Dean of Health Science within 2 days of
receiving the Director’s decision. Results of the Dean’s decision will be given to the student in writing within 5
working days following the meeting.
Step 6. The academic grievance, if still unresolved, will follow the State Fair Community College formal
academic grievance policy outlined on MyStar.
Review Board Policy
The Review Board shall meet to consider appeal regarding program dismissal pursuant to academic, clinical,
participation, behavioral, or Essential Qualifications policies. The board shall include, but is not limited to the
following: a member of SFCC administration, the Program Director of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Program, the Clinical Coordinator of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, a class representative, and a
program advisory board member. Other persons may be designated by the Program Director to serve on the
Review Board as deemed appropriate.
The board will consider all the facts under the circumstances of each case in deciding whether to grant or deny
the relief requested. Non-Local students may attend review board via skype.
Procedure for Review Board
1. Student shall present case (15 minutes allotted).
2. Questions and clarification entertained from board members (15 minutes allotted).
3. At this time, the student is dismissed from meeting with date and time to meet with board chairperson, in
regards to decision of board.
4. Board discusses appeal and makes decision regarding request. Board chairperson will issue in writing
the decision of the board.
If the student is not in agreement with the final decision of the board, he/she is referred to the Program
Grievance Process outlined in this handbook. All information discussed within the Review Board meeting is
confidential.
Make Up Policy
Assignments: The student must personally notify the instructor on or before the due date if there is an
illness or extenuating circumstance that will prevent them from completing assignments on time. Failure to
do so will result in a zero for missed assignments. If the instructor allows student to submit a late
assignment, ten percent (10%) will be deducted per day the assignment is late. All work must be turned in
within four days of due date or as arranged with instructor. Assignments turned in more than four days after
the due date will receive a zero. Individual course syllabi will address assignments for specific classes;
some classes may have stricter guidelines.
Quizzes: Scheduled and unscheduled quizzes may be a part of each course. If a quiz is not taken at the time
it is initially offered, the grade for that quiz will be zero. See individual course syllabi, which may differ per
class.
Exams: If an exam is not taken at the scheduled time and arrangements for a make-up exam have not been
made prior to the absence, the grade for that exam will be zero. No make-up exam will be considered
unless your instructor is personally notified prior to the absence. Make-up exams are scheduled at the
convenience of the instructor.
(Updated July 2019) 18Technical Difficulties: In online courses, there may at times be technical difficulties that are beyond the
student’s control (Canvas outage or Canvas technical error). Students should document the error by taking a
picture, screen shot, or even a video to document the error and contacting the instructor and program
director immediately. If the instructor and/or director verify the error, another attempt on the assignment or
quiz will be permitted. Due to the availability of public Wi-Fi at locations such as McDonalds, Panera, and
Starbucks, home internet outages will not be accepted as a technical difficulty unless a regional outage has
occurred. If a sudden outage occurred, in the middle of an attempt, this should be documented and the
instructor/director will consider resetting the attempt on a case-by-case basis. If the student is experiencing
difficulty with canvas, they should contact the help desk and provide the reference number to their instructor.
Scan Lab Classroom Attire Policy
Diagnostic Medical Sonography students are required to wear SFCC medical scrubs in lab. Research has
proven that students who dress in their professional attire are more studious and have better success especially
in a learning environment. Diagnostic Medical Sonography students are on campus once a week in the scan lab
and are required to dress in the professional dress code required in the workforce. Therefore, scan lab will act
as a clinical setting. Students will wear the pewter medical scrubs with the Diagnostic Medical Sonography
patch on the right arm sleeve. Proper shoes are required as well (see Uniform Policy in the Clinical
Expectations section).
Children in the Classroom Policy
Minors are not allowed in the scan lab due to liability and safety concerns. The director may make exceptions
on a case-by-case basis or clinical coordinator when minors are present with a volunteer or the student wishes to
scan their immediate relative.
Email and Printing
Check SFCC email and Canvas course shell announcements associated with each course a minimum of 3 times
a week. It is highly suggested you check your Canvas course shells and SFCC email daily to ensure you are
aware of the most current information being distributed. Each course instructor will post items in the Canvas
course shell that will need to be printed. Each student is expected to have money on his/her student account to
cover this expense.
Inclement Weather Policy
It is the policy of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program to ensure the safety of its students, adequate
clinical supervision, and appropriate professionalism. Inclement weather is any weather that has the probability
of interfering with the student's ability to arrive safely at class or clinicals. In the event of inclement weather,
the student should make the determination of the prudence of travel. Students will only be excused from class
for inclement weather when the main campus is closed.
Students wishing to delay arrival at the clinical site until road conditions improve should contact both the
clinical site and the Clinical Coordinator prior to scheduled arrive time. Students who delay arrival or do not
attend clinicals at all will have the time deducted from their personal time. In accordance with the policy on
clinical participation, the student is expected to notify both the clinical site and the Clinical Coordinator of the
absence prior to the start of the clinical day.
(Updated July 2019) 19Required Community Service Hours
Community service hours will apply to both Local and Non-Local Students
Each student will be obligated to complete and track at least 8 hours of community service each year for a total
of 16 hours prior to graduation. For outside activities, pre-approval requests utilizing the State Fair Community
College DMS Community Service Tracking Form for each activity must be submitted at least one week in
advance of the event to the Director or Clinical Coordinator for approval). Various college and program
sponsored opportunities throughout the program year will be offered, however, students may request other
activities to be considered. The community service hours must be tracked on the State Fair Community College
DMS Community Service Tracking Form with the event organizer signature confirming participation.
Completed tracking forms should be submitted the DMS administrative assistant Melinda Strange in person or
via email. Completion of community service hours is mandatory to be eligible for graduation from the program.
Required Campus Events
Local students only:
All Local DMS students are required to be present for and participate in the following events as instructed by
DMS faculty. Failure to participate in a required event will result in an additional 8 hours of required
community service being added to that student’s required community service hours.
The following activities are required for All Local DMS Students as assigned:
-Orientation (New students and Second Year if Requested)
-Graduation (First and Second Year Students)
-Sonography Month Activities as assigned by SFCC Faculty and Staff (First and Second Year Students)
-Road Runner Rounds Interdisciplinary Education (may be required twice)
All local students must participate in additional SFCC campus events as assigned by the program director or
clinical coordinator. These activities may include, but are not limited to:
Welcome Back Bash, Activity Fair, Spring Fling, Career Day, and Jingle on the Green, Gas card
fundraisers
(Revised May 10, 2018)
(Updated July 2019) 20You can also read
